We were given to understand that the NH13 is a vital link for North - South movement, especially for Trucks. Between Solapur and Chitradurga, itruns almost like a straight line. The Road is getting four laned. Few stretches were open only on one side.
We missed a place - Kudal Sangama (confluence of rivers), about 60 kilometers from Hungund, where we took left turn to AIHOLE.
Kudalasangama, is a sacred place for, Lingayat community in Karnataka.
The Road to Aihole from Hungund was amazingly superb. Clean & Pristine. It is state highway 20 connecting Bagalkote and Raichur, via Hungund. After Amingad we need to take left to reach Aihole.
Aihole houses several temples that are in different styles. Main temple is however, the Durga Temple or Durgigudi.
The view of Durga temple (it is said our Parliament's structure was inspired by this temple?!)
Closer look of the temple
Inside the temple (no deities)
Pillar carvings
Pillar carvings (close up)
cont'd....
The temple contained images that are still 'alive' even after several hundred years (1600 year approx). Thanks to conservators! Walk way with Narasimha
Next we saw an array of Ganapathi statues in various styles!. Probably they would have tried this God's form in different versions!!!
Next complex adjacent to Durga Temple, houses temples namely, 'Badiger Gudi', 'Gaudara Gudi' and 'Chakra Gudi'. Information panel is given for your reference.
[For those who may not know, 'Gudi' - means 'temple']
A longer look of 'Badiger Gudi'.
Both 'Badiger' (in the front) and 'Chakra' Temples.
In the above door panel, on the lintel Garuda is holding tails of two snakes. The snakes' body has been
carved along the door panel and the heads are placed on the low level of the door panel. This form is
prevalent in most of the temples we saw in Aihole & Pattadakkal.